Xcel Energy seeks to build 100 MW wind farm

Minneapolis utility Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) has asked regulators for permission to build a 100-megawatt wind farm near Austin, Minneapolis.

The proposed Grand Meadow Wind Farm would be the first in Minnesota owned by Xcel, and, if approved, would be operational by the end of 2008.

Xcel Energy has contracted with enXco Development Corp. to build the facility. The project is expected to consist of 67 1.5-megawatt wind turbines on approximately 40 square miles.

Xcel plans to have at least 2,800 megawatts of wind energy generation on-line by the end of the year throughout its eight-state service territory.

In Minnesota, Xcel Energy currently receives approximately 675 megawatts of electricity from wind and plans to add 500 megawatts more by 2010.

The utility estimates it will need to add between 3,000 and 3,400 megawatts of new wind generation to its Minnesota system by 2020 to meet the state's renewable energy standard.

Xcel provides energy-related products and services to 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies.

enXco has developed and operated wind energy projects throughout the United States since 1987. It claims to be the largest third-party O&M provider for wind parks, currently servicing more than 3600 turbines (1500 MW).

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